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Administrator’s Corner by Tonya Franks

Believe it or not, the time has come for families to start thinking about next school year. Whether you are a first-time kindergarten parent or have enrolled a child in the past, you may be asking yourself, “Is my child ready for kindergarten?”

Children come to kindergarten with a wide variety of skills and abilities. There is no such thing as “ready” or “not ready” for kindergarten. Eligibility for kindergarten is based on age, not ability, knowledge or skill. At Albert Lea Area Schools, children will be enveloped in a safe, welcoming environment where highly-qualified staff will support their social, emotional and academic growth. Kindergarten is a place to grow and develop, including learning skills that support school success. Enrolling your child in kindergarten provides them with many important opportunities:

• Free education designed for young learners with caring teachers and staff.

• Time with same-age peers to support learning and build friendships.

• Access to free early childhood screening, special education and related services, mental health supports and language services when needed.

• Meal services, transportation and out-of-school programs.

Families are strongly encouraged to enroll their child as soon as they are age-eligible. All children who are at least 5 years of age on Sept. 1, 2025, can be enrolled in kindergarten.

Ways to register:

• Kindergarten registration on Feb. 24 at Brookside Education Center from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Parent teacher conferences on Feb. 24 at neighborhood schools from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Online registration at https://www.alschools.org/df/enrollment.

Families must complete three items to enroll their child in kindergarten:

• Proof of age: Please bring a birth certificate or hospital birth record, if available.

• Immunization records (if completed outside of Minnesota): Minnesota law requires children enrolled in school be immunized against certain diseases unless the child is medically or non-medically exempt.

• Early childhood screening: Contact Christi Johnson at 507-379-4831 or christi.johnson@alschools.org to make an appointment.

A child may be screened between the ages of 3 and within 30 days of starting kindergarten. Results of early childhood screening cannot be used to determine a child’s eligibility for kindergarten. Additionally, a child cannot be denied enrollment if screening has not been completed; however, children should be screened within 30 days of starting kindergarten. Early childhood screening supports children’s learning and promotes health and development.

Kindergarten will provide a foundational educational experience crucial for student success throughout their educational journey. We look forward to welcoming you to kindergarten registration and your child next school year!

Tonya Franks is the executive director of academics and accountability at Albert Lea Area Schools.